CVE-2023-49230
Published: 28 December 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-49230 is a high-severity Missing Authorization (CWE-862) vulnerability in Peplink Balance Two Firmware. Its CVSS base score is 8.8 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 3.1% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
CVE-2023-49230 is a missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) affecting the captive portal component of Peplink Balance Two firmware versions prior to 8.4.0. The flaw permits unauthenticated modification of portal configuration settings over the network, rated at CVSS 8.8 with an attack vector of AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R.
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit the issue by sending crafted requests to the captive portal endpoints, achieving full control over portal settings and thereby impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device without requiring credentials or user interaction beyond the initial request.
Public references consist of a Synacktiv technical report and advisory that detail the vulnerability alongside other Peplink issues; the affected-version description implies that upgrading to firmware 8.4.0 or later restores the missing authorization checks.
The associated EPSS score reached a peak of 0.3895 with a current value of 0.3108, indicating measurable post-disclosure exploitation interest.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-53233
Vulnerability details
An issue was discovered in Peplink Balance Two before 8.4.0. A missing authorization check in captive portals allows attackers to modify the portals' configurations without prior authentication.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Requiring an access control policy ensures authorization checks are defined and applied for critical functions.
Reviews of access controls detect missing authorization checks on critical functions or resources.
Documenting permitted unauthenticated actions prevents missing authorization by making all exceptions explicit and subject to organizational review.
Requiring attribute association with information prevents authorization from being performed without necessary security or privacy context.
Mandating authorization prior to allowing remote connections addresses missing authorization for remote access.
Mandating authorization before wireless connections are allowed prevents missing authorization for wireless access.
The control requires authorization before allowing mobile device connections, directly mitigating missing authorization for system access.
Requiring approvals for account creation and specifying authorizations ensures authorization is not missing for system access.